Bear Mt.

November 4, 2025 -- Harrison Hot Springs

Stats: 18 km / 1049m gain / 1082m high / 5:10 hours MT

A record-breaking group of 30 came out for this not-too-strenuous but longer hike on a beautiful autumn day. Charlotte used her whistling skills to get the groups' attention at the parking lot. A head count, walkie talkies given to the sweep and one of the faster hikers, and we were good to go.

Over the little boardwalk we went. Most of this hike is on a deactivated FSR. The average grade is 11.1%.

We'd completed over 800m gain by the time we got to this open viewpoint of Harrivon River & Lake -- west.

As we rounded the final and fourth south-turning switchback, we got into the sun. Soon we came to the fork to Bear Lake where we stayed left.

The final 20-minutes were off of the FSR and onto a trail that wound through a beautiful fir and hemlock forest.

I always enjoy hearing first-timer's reactions when they pop out of the forest and get these views. You don't even get a glimpse till you get to the end of the route. The Cheam Range was right across from us -- south.

Sumas Praire with the Pacific Ocean in the distance -- west.

Grainger Peak -- northwest.

Group shot, L to R, back row: Iraj F, Stelian A, Patrick R, Simon H, David G, Kevin D, John Mc, Danny G, Ken A, Susan V, Carol A, Lorenz B, Greg

Middle row: Brian H, Irene H, Lonja J, Denise D, Al S

Front row: John C, Charlotte H, Monica P (new), Ingrid F, Laura F, Johnny G, Cindy W, Sue A, Mary R, Dawn L, me, Lori B

Echo Island -- northwest.

17 of us went for drinks and goodies to the Old Settler Pub in Harrison Hot Springs afterwards. It was a great way to end a great day.